We were lucky to catch up with Chantel Chance recently and have shared our conversation below.
Chantel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?
I absolutely love being a business owner. I love the concept of working for myself and being “self made”. Working a regular job used to make me so miserable. I used to dread waking up everyday and taking orders from someone. Patiently waiting for the weekends because I hate my job. Now, everyday feels like the weekend. I get to make my own schedule, travel whenever I want and only have to answer to myself and my clients. Greatest feeling in the world!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I wanted a jewelry company that stood out from the competition. I analyzed and worked for all my competitors before starting my own business, just to see what my competitive advantage(s) would be. I studied their weaknesses and strengths, gathered a network of mentors and colleagues that would support me and KZMT & Co.® was born.
After jewelry school, I got my 1st industry job a week after receiving my certification. I used to make jewelry for Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston and David Yurman just to name a few. It was an amazing experience but I never seen myself working for somebody my entire life. I was born a boss. In November 2018 I launched my own fine jewelry company, KZMT & Co (pronounced kismet and co). We specialize in custom jewelry, watches, gemstone wholesaling, manufacturing services, repairs and a repurposing service.
In 2020, I partnered with Facebook, Inc. (now Meta) and they launched a nationwide and international ad campaign highlighting my company. Business has been better than ever thanks to that recognition from such a huge entity.
In 2021, I became a member of the Black In Jewelry Coalition and the US Black Chambers.
In 2022, I won my first international/global excellence award for the most unique statement jewelry brand (US) by LuxLife magazine (UK).
This year, I snagged a partnership with both Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center and American Express where I speak at discussion panels and sell my jewelry at sponsored pop up shops. I also won my 2nd international award sponsored by CorporateLiveWire (UK) for innovation and excellence.
And lastly, I mentor HS girls and other aspiring jewelry designers. I want everybody to know that black people are fully capable of infiltrating and dominating any and every industry. We all just need a little support and proper guidance.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Unlike many other jewelers, I explain and walk my clients through the entire jewelry making process. From the 3D design/concept to sourcing the perfect stones for their pieces. This has helped build my reputation within NYC’s Diamond District as “the honest jeweler”. There are never any secrets when shopping with me. You’re going to know labor/manufacturing costs, the costs of the materials and exactly how I came up with the retail price.
Can you talk to us about your experience with buying businesses?
I recently just bought a failing cleaning company. With the pandemic and all these new diseases emerging, I thought it would be the perfect business to acquire. It was fairly easy too. The business was just lacking proper funding and certifications. Still working out all the certs, but the funding part was a piece of cake.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kzmtand.co
- Instagram: @jewelerbaenyc @kzmtandco
- Twitter: @jewelerbaenyc_
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@chantelchance2003
- Other: TikTok: @jewelerbaenyc
Image Credits
IG: @nolostudiosbrooklyn @janellejonessss @danaemaleniforbes Laila Lott, Janelle Jones, Danae Forbes